Tips for Back to School Shopping

If you have been to a store recently you have probably noticed the school supplies are popping up! My boys have one month until school starts here in Central Virginia. Here are some tips for back to school shopping that will help you save money.

Tax Free Days

Some states offer Back to School Tax Free Days. That means that the sales tax is waived on select purchases during the set days. There is a list of participating states and the corresponding dates over at the Tax Admin website.

Each state has their own set of “rules”. The sales tax break is only up to a certain amount of the purchase price and only on certain products. For example, Virginia only offers the tax break on a school supplies purchase up to $20. Make sure you read over the guidelines for your state.

Many stores will offer sales and deep discounts during the tax free weekends. Make sure you stick to your list though. Don’t let low prices entice you to buy more unless you really need it!

Stockup on School Supplies

The cheapest price for school supplies will be within the next couple of weeks. Make sure to stockup for the whole year- you won’t see these low prices again until next year. Also think about Christmas and Birthday gifts. If you have little ones grab an extra box of crayons while they are $0.25 instead of paying full price in a couple of months.

Clothing

Don’t feel like you have to buy a whole new wardrobe for your child now. Spread out the shopping over the next few months to save money and time. Shop the sales and clearance racks. Shop second hand stores or hold a clothing swap with friends. Kids grow at a fast rate- sometimes clothing is only worn for a short period before it is outgrown. We typically pickup clothes at yard sales and thrift stores. I will then fill in with new items if I can’t find them second hand.

Back to school time is also one of the best time to purchase socks and underwear. Look for those bonus packages!

Previous Back to School Posts:

Getting into a Reading Routine

Preparing for Kindergarten

Preparing Your Kids for Preschool

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Renae Chiovaro

Renae is a married working mom of two handsome boys. She works as a registered dental hygienist by day and blogs here at How to Have it All by night. She enjoys cooking from scratch, working in her vegetable garden and functional training.